Creeping Cucumber – Identification

Q: We have a creeping vine that produces a seed pod which looks like a tiny watermelon about an inch long. The leaves are about 1″ across. It climbs up through existing bushes and also will climb under/behind wood siding. Any advice on getting rid of it?

A: The vine is creeping cucumber, Melothria pendula. Unlike a watermelon, it is perennial and continues to come up from its roots each year.